The Marine Institute and BlueWise Marine Presents: The SmartBay Observatory Family Fun Day
16th May 2022: An Spidéal, Galway – The Marine Institute & BlueWise Marine will host The SmartBay Observatory Family Fun Day as part of this year's European Maritime Day event In My Country taking place at Stiúideo Cuan on 21st May 2022 and featuring fun and educational marine workshops for all ages, circus workshops, circus performances, face painting, and more.
The Marine Institute & BlueWise Marine are proud to bring the SmartBay Observatory to Stiúideo Cuan before its redeployment in Galway Bay off the coast of An Spidéal, where it will remain collecting data 24/7. The observatory also hosts two underwater video cameras which continuously stream live footage to the public via www.smartbay.ie.
An open invitation is extended to all who wish to celebrate European Maritime Day and to learn more about the SmartBay Observatory, Irish marine life and have some family friendly fun.
The SmartBay Observatory has been undergoing maintenance and upgrades in recent months and will soon be redeployed to its location 1.5km off the coast of An Spidéal in a depth of 20meters. "Having the rare occasion to showcase the SmartBay Observatory on land presents a unique and fascinating opportunity to learn and discover more about how we monitor the ocean," said Alan Berry, Section Manager of Marine Research Infrastructures at the Marine Institute. "We are looking forward to welcoming all to a fascinating and fun filled day."
About SmartBay
The SmartBay Observatory is part of Ireland's national marine research facilities and is Ireland's observation facility in the European Multidisciplinary Seafloor Observatory (EMSO) research infrastructure. SmartBay provides continuous oceanographic and environmental data in near real-time. These facilities can be accessed by users to test innovative and novel marine technologies.
About the Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is the Government agency responsible for marine research, technology development and innovation in Ireland. The Marine Institute provides scientific and technical advice to Government to help inform policy and to support the sustainable development of Ireland's marine resources. The Marine Institute established SmartBay in 2006 and provides a range of other services supporting the advanced marine technology sector.
About BlueWise Marine
BlueWise Marine (formerly SmartBay Ireland) was established in 2012 as a not-for-profit organization. It is now a private company contracted to provide a range of supports to the Marine Institute, including promotion of the SmartBay facility and the development of industry and research projects at the observatory. The company also supports the delivery of community engagement activities by providing local liaison support and acts as the main point of contact within the community.
